Her condo is in a very nice community, and I can see why she chose it. “This looks amazing, Liv! Very new.”
She nods. “I was kind of a stickler about wanting new construction even though I’m just renting. I didn’t want to have to deal with any maintenance issues.”
“Smart.” We work together to get all of our luggage inside. It takes two trips, but I do most of the work so she can walk around and get everything turned on. It’s definitely a bit stuffy in here, but I know it will all be normal in just a little while.
As she’s fluttering about, I get up and just walk around, taking it all in. There are two bedrooms—but one is set up as an office—and two bathrooms. There are hardwood floors, all stainless-steel appliances, and it almost doesn’t look like anyone lives here. It looks staged for photographs, and I almost can’t believe this vibrant woman has been living like this.
Then I remember how many times she described her lifestyle as nomadic, so I’m not sure exactly why I’m surprised.
“Okay, groceries will be here in fifteen minutes,” she announces. “And dinner should arrive five minutes after that.”
“When did we order dinner?”
“Right after I ordered the groceries,” she says with a wink. “I know I ate on the plane and I’m sure you did too, but I figured a little Chinese food wouldn’t hurt either.”
“Good call.” I walk over, wrap her in my arms, and kiss her softly.
After humming softly, she lifts her head. “This is the best surprise ever.” She reaches up and touches my face. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”
“Well, believe it.” I kiss her again.
“You never said how long you’re staying. Please say it’s more than just a day or two.”
“Um…it’s definitely more than a day or two, but exactly how long depends on you.”
“On me? How come?”
Taking her by the hand, I lead her over to the couch so we can sit. “My next assignment is someplace that I really wanted you to be with me. So if we can get the ball rolling with your move, I was hoping maybe you’d be willing to travel with me.”
“Oh, uh…I don’t know about that. I mean…I really need to get this book figured out. I’m supposed to talk to my agent this week and I won’t get an advance until I have an actual synopsis planned.”
I was expecting a little pushback, but I’m not deterred.
“I think I have a solution that will help.”
She gives me an uncertain smile. “Go on.”
“You were partly uncertain about this new book because you’ve typically lived in the place you’re writing about. Right?”
“Right…”
“Then I have a proposition for you that will hopefully help with your creativity,” I begin carefully. “I have an extensive travel schedule starting soon. I was going to turn it down, but when this idea came to me, I thought it could be the answer to everything.”
The look on Liv’s face is still skeptical, so I continue.
“In ten days, I need to be in San Diego. Well, technically Carlsbad, and I’ll be there for at least a week. After that, it’s on to San Francisco, Denver, Kansas City, Chicago, and Boston. I’ll be at each of those places for only a week doing updates on systems—no troubleshooting or repair issues—but it’s a pretty eclectic trip geography wise.”
She just blinks at me.
“Liv, think about it. You’d get to explore fresh places without making an enormous time commitment. You can spend your days exploring the cities and seeing if any of them…I don’t know…trigger something in you!” I say excitedly, and I can’t believe she’s not jumping at this opportunity. “I just thought…”
Finally, she moves, holding up a hand to stop me.
That’s when I notice the tears in her eyes.
“I don’t even know what to say,” she whispers before gently clearing her throat. “I swear…every time I think you can’t be any more amazing…you are. How it’s possible, I don’t even know. Most people think I’m crazy for the way my writing process is, and to be honest, I think it sometimes too. Especially after this last month when I see all the things I’ve sacrificed for the sake of these books.”
“Liv, you’ve told me yourself how every author’s process is different. Who cares what anyone else thinks?”
